Fuse device for a projectile

ABSTRACT

A mortar includes a fuse device having a detonator, and a firing booster arranged to be ignited in response to detonation of the detonator. The detonator is detonated by a firing pin which comprises part of a sliding component in an electric solenoid mechanism. Upon receipt of an electric firing signal, the solenoid produces an electromagnetic force that thrusts the firing pin against the detonator.

[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §§ 119 and/or 365 to Patent Application Serial No. 100 43 581.5 filed in Germany on Sep. 15, 2000, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention concerns a fuse device for a projectile, such as a mortar. The fuse device comprises a firing pin, an initiating detonator to be ignited by the firing pin, and a firing booster arranged to be ignited by the initiating detonator, which are arranged in a firing chain.

[0003] Fuse devices of that kind are known in various different design configurations. For example, see the configuration disclosed in copending U.S. Ser. No. 09/754,208 filed Jan. 5, 2001, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a fuse device of that general kind which is of a comparatively simple design and which has a high level of operational reliability.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In accordance with the invention, that object is attained in that the firing pin is integrated into an electrical force element.

[0006] Besides the advantages of a high level of operational reliability combined with a saving on component parts, the fuse device according to the invention also enjoys the advantage that it can be used for all electrical fuses.

[0007] By virtue of the fact that, with the fuse device according to the invention, the electrical and mechanical firing functions are combined together in a firing chain, it is possible that the fuse device according to the invention to be used instead of an electrical primer or percussion cap or detonator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof in connection with the accompanying drawing in which like numerals designate like elements, and in which:

[0009] the sole FIGURE is a view in longitudinal section of a portion of a projectile containing a fuse device according to the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In the sole FIGURE there is shown a view in longitudinal section of a part of a projectile 10 in which a fuse device 12 is disposed. The projectile 10 is preferably a mortar. The fuse device is similar to that described in earlier-mentioned U.S. Ser. No. 09/754,208 in that an initiating detonator is mounted in a housing 1 which is rotatable within a casing 4 about an axis A. Rotation of the housing 1 occurs following a launching of the mortar, and the rotational drive is supplied by a shaft 2 that is connected to a worm 3 disposed on the axis A. Details of how the rotation of the worm 3 is transmitted to the housing are not part of the present invention, but may be found in the above-referenced Ser. No. 09/754,208.

[0011] Rotation of the housing causes the initiating detonator 1 to be displaced into an active position (depicted) wherein one side thereof faces a firing pin 14, and an opposite side thereof faces a firing booster 18. Accordingly, by actuating the firing pin 14, the detonator will detonate and ignite the booster 18.

[0012] In accordance with the present invention, the firing pin is actuated electrically in response to a signal received, via connector 24, from a suitable electric firing system within the fuse device, e.g., a proximity fuse (not shown). The firing pin itself constitutes a slidable part of a power element 20, such as an electric solenoid mechanism, which displaces the firing pin by electromagnetic force. The solenoid mechanism comprises a cylinder 22 in which the firing pin 14 slides. An electric coil (not shown) is disposed in the cylinder which creates a magnetic field when energized. The firing pin could be magnetized, or attached to a magnetized component, such as a piston, whereby the firing pin is caused to slide in either direction, depending upon the direction of electric current in the coil. When caused to slide toward the detonator 16, it will cause the detonator to detonate and ignite the booster 18.

[0013] It will be appreciated that the power element 20 is of simple construction and formed of few components. It exhibits a high degree of ruggedness and reliability. Moreover, it can be used in all electric fuses. Since the electrical activating force also creates the mechanical (i.e., electromagnetic) firing pin-thrusting force, the fuse can replace an electric primer or percussion cap detonator.

[0014] Although the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment thereof, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that additions, modifications, substitutions and deletions not specifically described may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A fuse device comprising: a casing; an initiating detonator disposed in the casing; a firing booster arranged to be ignited in response to detonation of the initiating detonator; and an electromagnetic power device for detonating the initiating detonator, comprising a firing pin displaceable toward the initiating detonator under an electromagnetic force generated in the power device.
 2. The fuse device according to claim 1 wherein the power device comprises an electric solenoid having a cylinder and a slidable element disposed in the cylinder, the sliding element including the firing pin.
 3. The fuse device according to claim 1 wherein the fuse device is operable in response to receipt of an electric signal from an electronic firing system in the fuse device. 